wok gas burner

Types of wok gas burners

A wok gas burner comes in multiple types, each one differing in structure and usage. Each type also features multiple flames.

• Single Flame

  This structure creates and concentrates only one flame on the wok. Single-flame gas burners are commonly used in households and can be found in various cooking stoves. They suffice daily cooking tasks like preparing breakfast, frying, or simmering soups.

• Double Flame

  Just like the name, a double-flame wok gas burner creates and concentrates two flames on the bottom of the cookware. This gas burner is more powerful than the single-flame gas burner and is frequently used in high-heat cooking techniques like stir-frying and searing.

• Multiple Flame

  This structure can create and concentrate several flames on the bottom of the wok. With its intense BTU output, the burner heats up the cookware in a short time. This is exactly what many chefs and cooking enthusiasts want. It's no wonder multiple flame wok gas burners are popular among users who need fast cooking.

Function and features

A wok gas burner comes with various features designed to meet the high demands of professional chefs and home cooks. Here are the standard features:

• High-Intensity Flame: Traditional cooking methods require open flames for even heating and precise temperature control. A wok gas burner has an intense flame, making it easy to reach the high temperatures needed for searing, frying, and boiling.
• BTU Levels: Each wok burner gas stove can have different BTU (British Thermal Units) levels. Generally, the BTU levels show the intensity and heat output of the gas burner. A wok gas burner can have BTUs ranging from 30,000 BTUs for home models to over 160,000 BTUs for commercial models.
• Material: The material used to make the wok gas burner shows its durability and heat retention. Most gas burners have cast iron, stainless steel, or brass burner heads. All three materials can withstand high temperatures, tough conditions, and frequent use. Also, they have excellent corrosion resistance. Cast iron burners hold and distribute heat evenly. They are also very sturdy. However, they need proper care to prevent rusting. Stainless steel and brass burners are less prone to wear, but they might not hold heat as well as cast iron burners.
• Compatibility with Fuel Type: Some wok burners can use either liquid propane or natural gas. Propane burners are portable, but they need to use a gas tank. Natural gas burners offer a constant supply of gas, and they are usually fixed in one location. Some dual-fuel burners have a changeover switch that allows users to switch fuel sources with ease.
• Safety Controls: Gas burners have several safety controls, such as valves, thermocouples, spark ignitions, flame sensors, and battery backup ignitions. The valves control gas flow through the burner. Thermocouples monitor temperatures to prevent overheating. Spark ignition starts the burner with a single spark. Flame sensors detect if the flame goes out and activate a flow valve to stop gas from leaking. Battery backup ignition lights the burner when there’s no electric power.

Applications of wok gas burner

Wok burners have multiple applications, with the kitchen as the primary application area. Wok burners are used to prepare dishes in commercial kitchens, where they are used to cook Asian cuisine over the flames. The high heat output from the wok burner helps to cook food quickly. Dishes such as stir fry, noodles and soups are prepared using the wok burner.

The wok burner is also used in restaurants to provide diners with hot pot and Szechuan cuisine. The pot is placed on the burner where it simmers over the flames. In addition to the above applications, wok burners are used at home in dedicated Asian kitchens. Here, the burner is used to prepare various Asian dishes that require high heat output.

Aside from cooking with pots and pans, wok gas burners are used to heat saucepans when making candy. The saucepans need to reach high temperatures to make candy, and the burner makes this easy. Additionally, wok burners can be used to heat cast iron skillets to high temperatures when searing meat.

Many wok burners are portable and can be used for outdoor cooking at home. Outdoor gas burners can be used to boil large amounts of water when hosting a crawfish or lobster boil. The outdoor gas burner makes it easy to boil a large amount of water that cannot be cooked with an average kitchen stove.

Outdoor wok burners are also used for camping purposes. A camping gas burner can be taken anywhere and used to heat water to make coffee or heat food while camping. The portability of the outdoor gas burner makes it easy to transport and store between uses.

Wok burners can also be used in garages or workshops to melt metal. The high heat output means the burner can achieve a temperature hot enough to melt aluminum (about 1220 degrees Fahrenheit). The burner can be used in a foundry to melt metal for various applications, such as recycling old cast iron cookware or metal scrap.

Based on the above applications, it is clear that wok gas burners are not limited to the kitchen and can be used for various applications that require high heat output.

How to Choose Wok Gas Burners

• Gas Source:

  When selecting a gas burner, the first step is to decide on the type of gas to be used. Will the burner work with propane, butane, or natural gas? Each gas type requires different fittings and regulations. Based on the chosen gas type, specific burner regulations and fittings will be needed. However, natural gas is more readily available and is a more cost-effective option. On the other hand, propane offers more BTUs per cubic foot than natural gas, making it a more powerful choice.

• Power Output:

  The next step is to look at the power output. The power output is measured in BTUs. When choosing a gas burner, the higher the BTUs, the more heat the burner will produce. This means that food will be cooked faster. For example, a 50,000 BTU burner will cook a stir fry faster than a 20,000 BTU burner. A higher power output means more precise temperature control when cooking.

• Burner Construction:

  Taking a look at the burner construction is very important. The material of the burner should be corrosion resistant, rust resistant, and not oxidize when in contact with high temperatures. Cast iron burners are ideal because they retain heat extremely well. Also, they are very durable and can last for many years if they are properly maintained. If cast iron is not properly maintained, it may develop some oxidation. Stainless steel burners are lightweight, more affordable, and resistant to rust and oxidation. A wok burner with a porcelain enamel finish is easy to clean. The exterior of the burner will not absorb any food stains while cooking.

• Ignition Type:

  Next, consider the ignition type. Manual ignition requires the user to light the burner with a lighter after turning on the gas. On the other hand, electronic ignition lights up automatically once the gas is turned on. An electronic ignition is safer than a manually lit burner, as there is no exposed flame on a gas burner with manual ignition. Electronic ignition burners light up automatically, reducing the chance of any gas leaks.

• Burner Size:

  Make sure to check the size of the burner and the number of rings. Single-ring burners are compact and great for outdoor use and camping. Double-ring wok burners are ideal for home use. They are medium-sized burners that fit most stovetops. Triple-ring burners provide evenly distributed flames. They are larger than double burners and are used for heavy-bottomed woks.

Wok gas burner Q & A

Q1: How is the wok gas burner maintained and cleaned?

A1: Since the wok gas burner is usually exposed to flame, soot will build up over time. The burner head and grate should be cleaned regularly to remove any soot or food residue. Some gas burners have a self-cleaning cycle, which offers hassle-free cleaning.

Q2: What is the difference between a wok burner and a regular gas stove?

A2: A wok burner has a wider and bigger burner head to provide maximum heat and energy to the wok. Also, some burners have flame rectification systems that fix the burner flame. This cooker provides more heating concentration at the bottom of the wok than a regular gas stove.

Q3: How to install a wok gas burner?

A3: Most wok gas burners come with installation instructions. In general, buyers need to install a compatible gas valve, either natural gas or propane. Ensure all fittings and connections are tight. The installer also needs to check the burner flame and adjust to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Q4: What safety precautions should be taken when using wok gas burners?

A4: Users should follow basic burner and gas fire safety measures. Never leave the burner unattended. Use only pots and pans designed for high heat. Also, consult a professional gas technician to install the burner.

Q5: What types of fuel do wok gas burners use?

A5: Some wok gas burners use propane fuel, while others use natural gas. Propane gas burners have higher BTUs and are ideal for areas without a natural gas line. Additionally, propane gas is portable, so users can move it around.